Hazyview Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, accommodations, cultural customs, safety tips, and transportation options in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, South Africa.


Introduction to Hazyview

Nestled in Mpumalanga, South Africa, Hazyview is a gateway to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, including Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. Hazyview is named after the summer haze that often settles over the town, giving it a dreamy atmosphere. The town offers a wide range of outdoor activities, wildlife sightings, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. This travel guide will help you plan your itinerary in Hazyview, providing details on the top attractions, things to do, places to stay, and local customs.

List of Places to Visit in Hazyview

Hazyview offers a mix of culturally significant landmarks and natural wonders. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in this charming town.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shangana Cultural Village: This living museum allows visitors to experience the day-to-day life of the Shangaan tribe, with traditional dances, crafts, food, and stories.
  • Perry’s Bridge Trading Post: A shopping center with unique handicrafts, clothing, and artists studios.
  • Sabie Valley Coffee: A coffee farm and roastery, where you can learn about the history of coffee and taste freshly brewed coffee.
  • Topaz Sky Trading Post: A diverse cultural shopping center with unique gifts, clothing, jewelry, and accessories.

Natural Attractions of Hazyview: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kruger National Park: The most visited national park in South Africa is just a short drive from Hazyview, offering Big Five game viewing tours, self-drive safaris, and wilderness trails.
  • Blyde River Canyon: A stunning natural wonder, the third largest canyon in the world, and famous for its panoramic views, waterfall hikes and hiking trails.
  • Mac Mac Falls: A majestic waterfall located in a dense forest, with a picnic area and a trail that leads to the top of the falls.
  • Elephant Whispers: An elephant sanctuary that offers a chance to interact closely with these magnificent creatures, go on a game drive, and learn about conservation.
  • Skyway Trails: An elevated cable skyway that showcases panoramic mountain views, includes a waterfall stop and a chance to cross the Sabie River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hazyview

Explore Hazyview’s natural surroundings by taking one of its many hiking trails, some of which are shared with bikers:

  • Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail: Walk through the 3.2 billion-year-old geological history of the Barberton Greenstone Belt.
  • Sabie River Trail: A 27-kilometer trail along the Sabie River, which includes lush forests, stunning rocky outcrops, waterfalls, and river rapids.
  • God’s Window: A scenic lookout point at the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment, which offers breathtaking views of the Lowveld, stretching as far as Mozambique on a clear day.

Best Things to Do in Hazyview: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Air Balloon Safari: Witness the stunning beauty of Hazyview from the air and admire wildlife, lush forests and scenic views.
  • Panorama Route: A road trip on the Panoramic Route, which takes you through majestic waterfalls, the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and the craggy peaks of the Mac Mac Mountains.
  • White River Rafting: Experience adrenaline-fueled fun on the Sabie River, taking on the river’s rapids while surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in Hazyview.
  • Shangaan River Club: A chance to experience African hospitality, culture, traditional dances, local cuisine, and unique storytelling.
  • Hazyview Elephant Sanctuary: Book an exclusive Elephant Interaction experience, a once in a lifetime chance to get up close and stroke, feed and interact with full-sized African elephants.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hazyview

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week in Hazyview, which can be customized to your interests and preferences. | Day | Itinerary | | — | — | |Day 1| Arrive in Hazyview, relax and unwind in your accommodation.| |Day 2| Visit the Shangana Cultural Village, and learn about the dances, crafts, food, and stories of the Shangaan tribe. In the afternoon, go to the Skyway Trails and indulge in the stunning view | |Day 3| Take a hot air balloon ride or go white river rafting in the Sabie River. In the afternoon, check out the Perry’s Bridge Trading Post.| |Day 4| Visit Kruger National Park for a guided game drive or opt for a self-drive safari. Return to your accommodation in the evening.| |Day 5| Have breakfast at Topaz Sky Trading Post and take a hike or a bike ride to God’s Window, then visit the Mac Mac Falls on the way back.| |Day 6| Visit Elephant Whispers and interact with the gorgeous creatures, or visit Blyde River Canyon for a scenic boat trip. In the evening, enjoy the unique cuisine of Hazyview.| |Day 7| Depart from Hazyview and take unforgettable memories with you. |

Food and Drink Scene of Hazyview

The local cuisine in Hazyview blends African and European flavors, with a hint of spice. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bunny Chow: Hollowed out bread filled with various meat curries, usually eaten with your hands.
  • Boerewors Rolls: A traditional South African sausage, grilled to perfection and served in a bread roll.
  • Chicken peri-peri: Spicy chicken with a rich flavor, usually cooked on the grill with a peri-peri sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Amarula: A liqueur made from the ripe fruit of the Marula tree.
  • Local Craft beers: Craft breweries abound in Mpumalanga, offering a range of unique beers to taste.
  • Rooibos Tea: A caffeine-free tea, made from the leaves of the South African Red Bush, with health benefits that range from improving digestion to reducing stress.

Where to Stay in Hazyview: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

In Hazyview, you’ll find an array of options when it comes to accommodation, from luxury hotels to hostels and guesthouses. Here are some suggestions:

Accommodation Description
Dreamfields Guesthouse Elegant and luxurious, with gardens and a swimming pool.
Rissington Inn A stylish and unique property with views of forests and fields, this lodge provides a variety of accommodation options from self-catering cottages to luxury en suite rooms.
The Backpackers A hostel with dorm rooms, a shared kitchen, and a braai area.
SANParks Rest Camp A base camp for Kruger National Park, which offers camping, bungalows or safari tents.

What to Buy in Hazyview: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t forget to bring home some unique souvenirs and local products from Hazyview. Here are some suggestions:

  • Carved wooden rhinos or elephants, often handcrafted by local artisans.
  • Local beadwork and traditional clothing, with bold colors and patterns.
  • Amarula Cream Liqueur or Rooibos Tea, often packaged in souvenir bottles.
  • Handmade jewelry and woven baskets made from natural fibers.

Local Culture and Customs of Hazyview

Here are some tips and insights to help you engage with the rich and diverse culture of Hazyview.

  • Always ask before taking photographs of locals or cultural sites.
  • Respect local customs, language, and traditions.
  • Take time to learn about the history and traditions of local tribes, such as the Shangaan or Ndebele.
  • Visitors are encouraged to tip wildlife guides or performers at cultural events.

Best Time to Visit Hazyview

Hazyview offers pleasant weather throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between May and September when the temperatures are cooler and pleasant for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hazyview

Do:

  • Do take a guided tour when visiting wildlife and natural areas in order to learn and understand more about the environments and animals. Respect the animals’ space and enjoy them from a distance.
  • Do carry a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen on you.
  • Do try one or more local delicacies.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the environment.
  • Don’t ignore the local customs and traditions.
  • Don’t forget to take hydration solutions while engaging in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hazyview

Hazyview is a safe town with friendly locals. However, visitors are advised to take precautions such as locking their vehicles when parked and avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or carrying around valuables in plain sight.

Health in Hazyview

Visitors are advised to take precautions against malaria when visiting Hazyview or Kruger National Park, which are in a malaria-endemic area. It is also advisable to bring plenty of mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and pants after dusk and carry first-aid kits.

Getting to Hazyview: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hazyview is approximately four hours by car from Johannesburg, the nearest major city with an international airport. Visitors can rent a car or book a shuttle service to travel from Johannesburg to Hazyview. Alternatively, there are daily domestic flights from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which is 30-minutes’ drive from Hazyview.

Airports Near Hazyview

  • Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA): Situated 35km from Hazyview.
  • O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB): Located in Johannesburg, 450km from Hazyview.

Bus Stations Near Hazyview

  • Intercape Mainliner: This bus service connects Hazyview to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town.
  • Greyhound South Africa: This bus service connects Hazyview to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Nelspruit, Durban and Cape Town.

Other Options:

  • Self-drive: Visitors can rent a car and drive themselves to Hazyview and surrounding areas.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available but they might be costlier than other transportation options.

How to Get Around in Hazyview

The best way to explore Hazyview is by car, and visitors can rent a car from car rental companies in the area. There are also shared taxis and minivans, called taxis or combis, which run between towns and cities, making stops in designated areas. Visitors should make sure to find out about the fares and the route, and should always agree on the fare before getting in.

Where to Go Next from Hazyview: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hazyview is an ideal base to explore Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, and other natural attractions in Mpumalanga. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Sabi Sands Game Reserve: A 5-star exclusive game reserve with luxurious accommodations, located adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
  • Graskop: A small town located on the Panorama Route, with beautiful waterfalls, craft shops, and restaurants or cafes.
  • Pilgrim’s Rest: A historic gold-mining town with restored buildings and museums, showcasing the rich history of the region.

Conclusion

Hazyview, Mpumalanga is a beautiful town, with a rich cultural and natural heritage that is ideal for a relaxing and exciting visit. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can be sure to experience the best of Hazyview, from its unique cuisine to its exhilarating outdoor activities. No matter what your interests, budget or travel style, Hazyview has something to offer you. Plan your visit, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the magic of Hazyview today!

Brewery at Perry Bridge Brewery at Perry Bridge